Reconfigurable mobile device with keyboard cover and biometric authentication

ABSTRACT

A multifunction cover with touch screen display, icons, and a keyboard is described. A multifunction touch screen enabled mobile device may be configured to be connected to the separate cover, which may be attached to the device and detached from the device. The mobile device may be enabled with a cellular voice and data communication, WiFi connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, and Internet Protocol connectivity. The mobile device may be enabled to play videos, capture photos, and stream multimedia content.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/152,615 filed Jan. 10, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/014,232 filed Aug. 29, 2013 (now U.S. Pat. No.8,649,830), which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/786,680 filed Mar. 6, 2013 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,554,287), which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/628,455 filed Sep. 27, 2012(now U.S. Pat. No. 8,423,096), which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/876,050 filed Sep. 3, 2010, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/644,308 filed Dec. 21, 2006(now abandoned); the content of each of which is incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

ABBREVIATIONS

Cellular Telephone is abbreviated as CT

Mobile Device is abbreviated as MD.

Personal Computer is abbreviated as PC

Peripheral Device is abbreviated as PD

Transaction Terminal is abbreviated as TT

Point Of Sale is abbreviated as POS

Television is abbreviated as TV

Personal Digital Assistant is abbreviated as PDA

Central Server is abbreviated as CS

Local Server is abbreviated as LS

Network Server is abbreviated as NS

BACKGROUND

Mobile communication devices are being adopted at a significant andincreasing rate by the public due to their portability, ease of use,small form factor and low entry level system cost for the mobile deviceitself; and for the almost universal connectivity provided by a numberof wireless carriers at a an affordable subscription price. Hithertomost of the mobile device applications revolved around voicecommunication and to some limited extent for email and datacommunication.

As the mobile devices evolve into multifunction communication,computation, command and control devices there is a need for better userinterfaces. Mobile devices that can provide audio and video services arehighly desired by the users. The quality of the audio depends to a largeextent on the digital signal processing, DSP capability internal to themobile device and one or more of the built-in speakers within the mobiledevice itself; and the external speakers/earphones attachments availablefor delivering the audio experience to the user.

In the prior art, when it comes to the video experience, there is afundamental problem that arises from the very advantage of the mobiledevice, namely its portability and small form factor, which on the otherhand significantly limits the viewing area for images, graphics andvideo. Consequently there is a need for providing novel visualinterfaces for enhancing the viewing experience of the user for images,graphics and video. The present invention teaches devices and interfacesthat can provide enhanced visual experience and a rich multimediaexperience to the mobile device user. In the cross referencedapplications cited, Rao et al teach dynamically configurable interfacesfor mobile devices. The present continuation in part application teachesnovel devices and methods for enhanced configurable visual interfacesfor mobile devices. Additionally, the prior art displays did not utilizededicated and special purpose video processors such as video signalprocessors, as the emphasis in the prior art was on displaying simplegraphics, numbers and text messages. Additionally, there is a need forthe mobile device to be configured for use for video, audio andtelevision broadcast programming.

Similarly, in the prior art the quality of the audio is less thandesirable as the cellular telephone and other mobile devices such asPersonal Digital Assistants, PDAs and portable computers are primarilydesigned for voice and not high quality music. The stereophonic effectis achieved through the ear phone attachments which often causediscomfort and with prolong wear cause hearing loss. Consequently thereis need for special purpose audio signal processors to deliver enhancedaudio quality and superior noise suppression and noise cancellation.

In addition in the prior art the cellular telephone/mobile device isused mostly as an adjunct device and not as the primary device withuniversal utility and the ability to operate at anytime and anywhere, beit at home, at the office or on the road. There is therefore a need forthe cellular telephone/mobile device to achieve, much needed primacy inall environments with the ability to operate seamlessly across differentcommunication protocols and different environments in one or more ofwired and wireless networks.

Additionally, there is a need for authentication of the user and for theprovision of content and services based on criteria such as pre-paymentor the promise to pay in the future for services provided for a definedservice. Content development is expensive and is often copy rightprotected. The prior art does not teach the authentication of the userincluding biometric authentication of the user for the provision ofmultimedia services and content over a wired or wireless network tomobile devices. The prior art methods of authentication based onencryption and digital keys lend themselves to subversion by thesophisticated user through software means, thus defrauding the rightfulowners of the copyrighted material from enjoying the fruits of theirinvestment and in the process raising the price that all otherlegitimate subscribers have to pay for the services and the content.

SUMMARY

The invention describes a system for configuring novel visual interfacesfor use on various types of devices such as cellular telephones, mobiledevices, PDAs, lap top computers and other types of mobilecommunication, computation, command and control devices. These novelvisual interfaces when used in conjunction with rich multimediacommunications comprising voice/speech, audio, video, graphics such asin games and television, TV, broadcast programs provide enhanced utilityto the mobile device user.

The invention additionally describes a system level architecture fordesigning and configuring a mobile device as a multimedia mobile device.The system level architecture comprises of various types of electroniccircuitry and components such as a plurality of general purposeprocessors, a plurality of special purpose processors including audiosignal processors and video signal processors, plurality of graphicschipsets, plurality of display drivers and a multi-channel transceiverfor providing high quality audio, video and graphics for the purpose ofproviding the performance needed to power the plurality of novel visualand audio interfaces of the proposed novel configurable multimediamobile device.

Additionally, the invention comprises of a multi-channel transmitter andreceiver built into the multimedia mobile device in order for the mobiledevice to communicate on one or more of input and output channelsutilizing disparate communication protocols, such as one communicationprotocol for voice/speech, another for audio, another for video, anotherfor broadcast TV, for seamless rich multimedia experience with a singlemobile device. Further the invention teaches the integration andnetworking of the mobile device within various multimedia environmentsof the future whether it is at home, at the office, in the factory or onthe move in transportation environment. The system level scheme fornetworking and enabling multimedia communications utilizing the mobiledevices is enabled in disparate environments in conjunction with amulti-channel transmitter/receiver/router unit located in theseenvironments for seamlessly enabling communication between and among ahost of smart/intelligent devices such as TV, media center devices andother peripheral devices that are likely to be part of said environmentsfor providing enhanced utility to the user.

Further, the present invention teaches the authentication of the user inconjunction with biometrics. The authentication system of the presentinvention ensures that the content is operative and is available to thespecific intended user for a specific item of content/service at aspecific time on a specific device. The invention teaches the use ofbiometric authentication as one of a set of tools for ensuring a veryhigh level of copy right protection. In the future, the content and thesecure delivery of multimedia content over wired and more importantlywireless networks is of significant economic and social importance tothe user and the provider.

Various other important teachings of the present invention are alsoenumerated and described below. Embodiments other than those describedherein may become apparent to those knowledgeable in the art, and theinvention is thus not to be construed as limited to the specificdescription provided herein.

-   -   1. The present invention enables the configuration of mobile        multifunction communication, computation, command and control        devices with enhanced user interfaces for audio and video.    -   2. The present invention enables the reconfiguration of mobile        multifunction communication, computation, command and control        devices with attachments that provide enhanced user interfaces        for audio and video.    -   3. The present invention enables novel interfaces that enhance        the functionality and utility of mobile devices for use in        conjunction with rich multimedia applications, streaming audio,        streaming video, high definition television, IP television,        broadcast programs, gaming and other content and media intensive        applications.    -   4. The present invention includes an authentication system that        authenticates the device and its associated user for the        provision of content and copy right material via biometric        authentication.    -   5. The present invention enables the seamless and secure        delivery of multimedia content over wired and wireless networks        at anytime and anywhere.    -   6. The present invention overcomes the limitations associated        with the small for factor of the mobile devices via novel        reconfigurable displays for enhancing the viewing experience of        the user for images, graphics and video.    -   7. The present invention includes a plurality of dedicated        signal processors for the provision of high quality audio,        video, images, graphics, TV and broadcast programs.    -   8. The present invention includes a plurality of speakers for        delivering superior surround sound quality over mobile devices.    -   9. The present invention includes a plurality of microphones for        acquiring superior voice/speech and audio information.    -   10. The present invention includes a plurality of general        purpose processors for the provision of high quality audio,        video, images, graphics, TV and broadcast programs.    -   11. The present invention includes a plurality of display        drivers for provision of video, images, graphics, TV and        broadcast programs.    -   12. The present invention includes a plurality of input/output        ports for multi-channel processing of audio, video and broadcast        information.    -   13. The present invention includes a plurality of built-in        display screens for the viewing of images, graphics, photos and        video.    -   14. The present invention includes a plurality of reconfigurable        display screens for enhancing the viewing of images, graphics,        photos and video.    -   15. The present invention includes a plurality of display        screens easily snap in/snap out attachments for enhancing the        viewing of images, graphics, photos and video.    -   16. The present invention includes a multi-channel transmitter        and receiver for communication of information in conjunction        with one or more communication protocols on the inputs and the        outputs of the mobile device.    -   17. The present invention includes the dynamic configuration of        a mobile device as a mobile server for performing one or more        functions of a server.    -   18. The present invention includes the dynamic configuration of        a mobile device as a mobile server for streaming audio and video        content to a plurality of mobile devices at anytime and        anywhere.    -   19. The present invention configures the front and reverse sides        of a mobile device for viewing and performance of useful        operations.    -   20. The present invention configures the mobile device with        multiple display screen attachments that swivel around an axis        to create a seamless three dimensional visual experience for        delivering movies, TV, gaming and other applications.    -   21. The present invention configures the mobile device for use        in command and control of a media center and related devices.

Other features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention:

FIG. 1 shows a cellular telephone/mobile device of the prior art withthe six separate surface areas of this three dimensional object shown indetail. The front surface area is the area that is mostly used in theprior art with limited functional use provided by the five remainingsurface areas of the mobile device.

FIG. 2 shows a cellular telephone/mobile device of the present inventionwherein the front side represented by the planar surface ABCD and therear/obverse surface area represented by the planar surface EFGH areboth used to provide functional utility. FIG. 2 shows the illustrationof a double sided mobile device wherein each of the two sides compriseof a partial or full function mobile device with a display area and akeyboard area.

FIG. 3 shows a cellular telephone/mobile device of the present inventionwith the front side of the device configured with a display area and akeyboard; and the reverse/obverse side configured with a large displayarea for enhanced viewing.

FIG. 4 shows a cellular telephone/mobile device of the present inventionwith the front side of the device configured with a display area and akeyboard; and the reverse/obverse side configured with a large displayarea partitioned into two display areas for independent and enhancedviewing of same or dissimilar information in each of said display areas.

FIG. 5 shows a cellular telephone/mobile device of the present inventionwith the front side of the device configured with a display area and akeyboard; and the reverse/obverse side configured with a large displayarea partitioned into four display areas for independent and enhancedviewing of same or dissimilar information in each of said display areas.

FIG. 6 shows a cellular telephone/mobile device of the present inventionwith the front side of the device configured with a full display areawith the absence of a keyboard; and the reverse/obverse side configuredwith a large display area for independent and enhanced viewing of sameor dissimilar information in each of said display areas on the frontside and obverse side.

FIG. 7 shows a cellular telephone/mobile device of the present inventionwith the front side of the device configured with a full display areawith the absence of a keyboard; and the surrounding rim of the front ofthe device configured with a plurality of switches or mechanism foractuating an intended action/function.

FIG. 8 shows a cellular telephone/mobile device of the present inventionwith the front side of the device configured with a full display areawith the absence of a keyboard; and the area representing the peripheryof the display configured with a plurality of touch enabled icons foractuating an intended action/function wherein said icons may be in anygeometric form.

FIG. 9 shows a cellular telephone/mobile device of the present inventionwith the front side of the device configured with a display area and akeyboard and the obverse side configured with a full display area; andone or more of the remaining four sides of the device configured with aplurality of switches or mechanism for actuating an intendedaction/function.

FIG. 10 shows a cellular telephone/mobile device of the presentinvention with the front side of the device configured with a displayarea and a keyboard and further enabled for attachment of a separatedisplay to the left and right side of said mobile device.

FIG. 11 shows a cellular telephone/mobile device of the presentinvention with the front side of the device configured with a fulldisplay area the absence of a keyboard; and further enabled forattachment of a separate display to the left and right side of saidmobile device.

FIG. 12 shows a cellular telephone/mobile device of the presentinvention with the front side of the device configured with a displayarea and a keyboard; and further enabled for attachment of a separatefull display to one or more of the front and reverse/obverse side ofsaid mobile device.

FIG. 13 shows a cellular telephone/mobile device of the presentinvention with the front side of the device configured with a displayarea and a keyboard; and further configured with a plurality of speakerson one or more of the left front side, right front side, top front sideand the bottom front side; and further configured with a plurality ofmicrophones on one or more of the left front side, right front side, topfront side and the bottom front side.

FIG. 14 shows a cellular telephone/mobile device of the presentinvention with the front side of the device configured with a fulldisplay area the with the absence of a keyboard wherein the top frontside and the bottom front side are each configured with a speaker; andfurther enabled for attachment of a separate display to the left andright side of said mobile device wherein each of said displays areconfigured with a speaker.

FIG. 15 shows a cellular telephone/mobile device of the presentinvention with the front side of the device configured with a displayarea and a keyboard; and the obverse side configured with a full displayarea; and one or more of the remaining four sides of the deviceconfigured with a plurality of perforations in one or more geometricforms for dissipation of the heat generated within the mobile device andits associated electronics through said perforations to the ambientexternal of said mobile device.

FIG. 16 shows a cellular telephone/mobile device of the presentinvention, further showing in detail the block level electroniccircuitry comprising a multi-channel receiver, a plurality of signalprocessors, a plurality of main processors, a plurality of graphicchipsets, a plurality of display drivers, a multi-channel transmitter,an input electronics and an output electronics block powering thefunctionality of said mobile device.

FIG. 17 shows a first cellular telephone/mobile device with its built-inweb server performing the functions of a mobile server, wherein saidmobile device is configured for communicating information to a pluralityof other cellular telephones/mobile devices in one or more of astandalone manner, in conjunction with a central server and inconjunction with a network server.

FIG. 18 shows a system level architecture wherein one or more of thecellular telephones and mobile devices are networked by wired orwireless means with a PC/Server, a plurality of Televisions, a pluralityof media centers, a plurality of peripheral devices and a multi-channeltransmitter/receiver/router that facilitates communication internal tothe environment and external to the environment with the outside worldcomprising one or more of network servers and an authorization servervia a plurality of outside communication paths.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with thepreferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intendedto limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, theinvention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications andequivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

For example, the embodiments that follow relate to a system andnetworking architecture, a system and apparatus with particularreference to cellular telephones/mobile devices, but are also intendedto include stationary units as well, such as personal computers (PCs),transaction terminals, point of sale terminals, servers and other wiredor wireless enabled devices.

Referring to FIG. 1 in specific detail a cellular telephone/mobiledevice, 100, of the prior art with the six separate surface areas ofthis three dimensional object is shown in detail. The front surface areais the area that is mostly used in the prior art with limited functionaluse provided by the five remaining surface areas of the mobile device.The front surface area represented by the surface ABCD, comprises of akeyboard 101, a display area 102, an antenna 103, the plastic rimsurrounding the keyboard and the display 104, a left side surface AFGD,105; a right side surface, BECH, 106; a top side surface, AFEB, 107; abottom side surface, DCGH, 108; and a back surface area, EFGH, 109.

The figure illustrates in detail the cellular telephones/mobile devices,100, of the prior art which fail to fully leverage one or more of thevarious sides/surfaces of the three dimensional object for providingenhanced functional utility to the user. There is a need for providingenhanced utility as the cellular telephones/mobile devices by their verynature are portable and are configured to be light weight with a smallform factor.

In an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 shows a cellulartelephone/mobile device, 200 of the present invention wherein the frontside is represented by the planar surface ABCD and the rear/obverseside/surface area is represented by the planar surface EFGH, whereinboth sides/surfaces of the device are used to provide enhancedfunctional utility. FIG. 2 shows the illustration of a double sidedmobile device wherein the front side comprises of a keyboard 201, adisplay 202, an antenna 203, and a front side rim area 204 encasing thekeyboard and the display; rear/obverse side comprises of a keyboard 205,a display 206, an antenna 203, and a rear side rim area 207 encasing thekeyboard and the display.

Examples of the utility of the novel double sided cellulartelephone/mobile device of the present invention:

Example 1

The front side may be used for communication intensive functions such asvoice, text and email with a full or partial function keyboard and adisplay area of a first type that is of sufficient resolutioncharacteristics for said functional utility. The rear side may be usedfor the same function or a different function wherein the specificfunctions may be more video and graphics intensive requiring one or moreof a different type of keyboard and a display with enhanced resolutionon said second side display of the device. In addition two separate andindependent activities may be conducted contemporaneously utilizing thedual functional capabilities of the CT/MD, such as two separatecomputational intensive operations being performed one on each side ofsaid device.

In another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 shows a cellulartelephone/mobile device 300, of the present invention with the frontside of the device, ABCD, configured with a keyboard 301, a display area302, an antenna 303, a rim area surrounding the keyboard and the display304; a biometric information acquisition port/surface 308 configured forthe acquisition of one or more of hand writing, finger print, retinalscan and a camera for acquisition of photos/images of the individual;and the reverse/obverse side, EFGH, configured with a large displayarea, 306 for enhanced viewing, and a rim area that provides mechanicalsupport surrounding the display 307.

Example 2

The cellular telephone/mobile device of the present invention may beconfigured with a standard keyboard and display on one side of thedevice and a large display area, 306, on the reverse/obverse side forvideo, image and graphics intensive applications. The display are on oneside may be of a first display technology such as an LCD touch screenand the display area on the other side may be of a same technology or asecond display technology such as that of a digital light processing,DLP technology/plasma technology for providing enhanced video, image andgraphics resolution. Video, image and graphics intensive applicationssuch as for high definition television and gaming require betterscreen/display characteristics. The present invention enables twodifferent display technologies to be appropriately utilizedindependently one for each side to achieve the quality, performance andoverall device cost objectives.

Example 3

Applications in medicine and health care require the use of highresolution display technologies especially for viewing X-ray, computertomography scans, MRI, ultrasound images and other types of images,graphics and video to discern image details of great significance indiagnosing and properly treating patients. The prior art cellulartelephones/mobile devices do not provide display areas that are eitheradequate in size or that are of high enough resolution. The presentinvention enables the cellular telephones/mobile devices to beconfigured with disparate display technologies and further providesutility for treatment of patients at home such as in telemedicine, atthe office and in the hospital utilizing wired and wirelesstechnologies.

In another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 shows a cellulartelephone/mobile device, 400, of the present invention with the frontside, ABCD, of the device configured with a display area, 402 and akeyboard, 401, a rim area 404 and an antenna 403; and thereverse/obverse side, EFGH, configured with two larger display areas405A and 405B for independent and enhanced viewing of same or dissimilarinformation in each of said partitioned display areas. The rimsurrounding the display area is represented by 406. The display areas405A and 405B may be configured with a mechanical rim that separates thetwo areas. Alternately the two display areas may be separated bysoftware means for being presented as two distinct and separate displayareas. The two separate display areas may be merged by software meansinto one larger display area by user selection and the reverse thereofby user selection. In a configuration wherein there is a mechanical rimseparating the two displays areas, each display may be configured withsame or different display technologies. A display technology is intendedto include one or more of the material of the display and theelectronics/software technology associated with rendering the images tobe displayed on said display.

Example 4

The present invention provides for the viewing of two separatetelevision programs or other content side by side on each of the displayareas enabling the user to multiplex between two distinct functions andtasks. As another example the user may contemporaneously work on twocomputational intensive tasks on each of said display areas. The presentinvention also enables each screen to be configured with same ordifferent display technologies.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 shows acellular telephone/mobile device, 500, of the present invention with thefront side of the device, ABCD, configured with a display area, 502, akeyboard, 501, an antenna 503 and a rim area 504; and thereverse/obverse side, EFGH, configured with a large display areapartitioned into four display areas 505A, 505B, 505C and 505D forindependent and enhanced viewing of same or dissimilar information ineach of said display areas. The rim surrounding the display area isrepresented by 506.

Example 5

The present invention enables the configuration wherein the device isconfigured physically with four separate display areas comprising thesame or different display technologies for viewing one or more types ofsame or dissimilar content. An example in medicine and health care isthe presentation of four different types of images, wherein the imagesrepresent information acquired from the four directions of an object, inorder for the health care professional to view the images from differentangles and obtain a comprehensive understanding of the images forenhanced diagnosis and improved patient health care. Similarly images ofmechanical and other objects may be contemporaneously viewed fromdifferent angles. Another example is the viewing of the same image ordifferent images from a first period in time to one or more otherperiods in time. This enables time domain analysis of health care andother images.

In another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 shows a cellulartelephone/mobile device, 600 of the present invention with the frontside, ABCD of the device configured with a full display area, 601surrounded by a rim area 603, an antenna 602 wherein in thisconfiguration there is no standard mechanical keyboard; and thereverse/obverse side, EFGH configured with a large display area, 604surrounded by a rim area 605. In this configuration the cellulartelephone mobile device has two independent and enhanced large displayareas of same or dissimilar display technologies. The informationdisplayed on each of said display areas on the front side and obverseside may be same or dissimilar. Either one or both of the displays maybe touch screen enabled. Additionally, a virtual keyboard may bepresented on any location of the display for easy touch enabled keyboardentry of information.

Example 6

The dual sided display capability enables two individuals to view thesame content from opposite sides of the same mobile device. This isgenerally useful wherein two individuals sit across a desk and it isoften inconvenient for an individual to move to the other side. In theprior art the lap top computer or the display of a stationary device hasto be moved around at an angle for two individuals to view the samedisplay screen. In the present invention the lap top computer screen maybe dual sided such that the same or different content can be viewed byone or more individuals from each of said display screens. In thepresent invention the same content may easily be viewed by twoindividuals from opposite angles or other angles without having to movethe device. Additionally, LCD and other displays often have differentimage characteristics when the same display screen is viewed fromdifferent angles. There is image distortion when the screen is viewedfrom different angles. The present invention overcomes this limitationof the prior art.

Example 7

In the prior art the transaction terminals/point of sale terminals andtheir associated display screens are positioned for best viewing by thesales clerk and not that of the customer. This results in some customerdissatisfaction as to the actual transaction that is being rung up. Inthe present invention a dual sided display screen of a mobiledevice/stationary device that presents the information on both sides ofa display overcomes this significant limitation and enhances the meansfor communication and collaboration between individuals improvingcustomer satisfaction and reducing errors in ringing up sales. The dualsided display capability may be achieved by configuring two individualdisplay screens positioned back to back with an opaque coatingseparating the two display areas or this may be achieved via amechanical separation between the two separate display screens that arepositioned back to back.

Example 8

Similarly two students may easily collaborate with each other usingstationary devices that have a dual sided display capability. Mobiledevices may easily be stood up on the bottom surface area and twostudents may view similar or dissimilar content from each side.Additionally, the mobile device may be swiveled around a vertical axissuch that individuals sitting around the mobile device may easily viewthe content from a first side of the display or the reverse side of thedisplay.

Example 9

The two display areas may be configured as touch sensitive display areasfor independently actuating one or more types of functions and utilitiesfrom each side. This capability is of significant value as each sideessentially serves as an independent device providing dualfunctionality. As an example in this configuration two students may workindependently on the same mobile device by accessing the device fromopposite sides such as when the device is held erect on its bottom edge.

Example 10

The user may independently work on two separate tasks using the samedevice by simply rotating the device and viewing each of the front andback display areas alternately as desired. The large display areasprovide enhanced images, graphics and video. The display technology usedon each side may be same or different.

In another preferred embodiment, FIG. 7 shows a cellulartelephone/mobile device, 700 of the present invention with the frontside of the device configured with a full display area, 702 with theabsence of a keyboard and an antenna 703; and the surrounding rimsurface area, 704 of the front of the device configured with a pluralityof keys/switches/mechanisms, 701 for actuating an intendedaction/function. In this configuration most of the surface area of thecellular telephone/mobile device is used for the display providingenhanced viewing convenience to the user for image, graphics and videointensive applications. The present invention enables the utilization ofthe rim area whereas in the prior art the rim area provided mostlymechanical rigidity and limited functionality for actuatingcommunication, command, control and other functions deemed necessary bythe user. A plurality of keys, switches and actuating mechanism foractuating one or more functions may be located all around the front rimsurface of the cellular telephone mobile device.

In yet another preferred embodiment one or more of the keys, switchesand actuating mechanisms may be configured for visualization byoptical/light means with one or more colors for easily distinguishing afirst function actuation mechanism from a second function actuationmechanism.

Example 11

An actuation key/switch/mechanism configured for visualization with thecolor red may be designated for emergency response in case of apotential security threat to the user, where in upon actuation by theuser a macro function that communicates with the police is initiated.The macro function may be programmed by the user by software means toinitiate and complete an intended action. The actuationkey/switch/mechanism may be lighted to show the red color or alternatelyit may have a red color painted on said mechanism. The color with whichan actuation mechanism is lighted may be changed from a first color to asecond color by user selection and programming. Similarly, anotheractuation mechanism may be configured with the color blue to communicatevia a macro function with emergency health care personnel and healthcare facilities. The present invention readily enables the cellulartelephone mobile device to be of great utility for geriatric andphysically impaired individuals. The actuation key/switch/mechanism maybe configured for example with Braille capability for the visuallyimpaired and configured with light for the hearing impaired. Theactuation mechanism may be configured with preferred colors for thosethat desire choice or those that require it by necessity such asindividuals that are color blind to certain colors.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, anactuation key/switch/mechanism may be software configurable from a firstfunction to a second function. In the prior art the switches/dials andother actuation mechanisms are provided on a cellular telephone/mobiledevice with a predetermined/pre-wired function and location on saiddevice. Often users prefer a separate location on the device for anactuation key/switch/mechanism. This is especially true for individualsthat are right handed versus others who are left handed. The presentinvention enables a physically hard wired key/switch/mechanism to beprogrammed by software means from a first function to a second function.For example two actuation mechanisms physically located on the left sideand right side may be swapped by software means to perform differentuser selected functions whereby without physically relocating thekey/switch/actuation mechanisms the user is still enabled to achieve theintended function in conjunction with an key/switch/actuation mechanismlocated in an alternate location. While the examples cited are formobile device applications, they are also applicable to stationarydevices and instrumentation panels such an in automobiles. This novelfeature of the present invention enables one or more of a pre functioneddefined and pre positioned key/switch/mechanism to be user configurable.The present invention teaches the capability for dynamicallyreconfiguring a key/switch/actuation mechanism from a first function toa second function and further enables the virtual placement/transfer ofthe function from a first location on the device interface to a secondlocation on the device interface.

In another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 shows a cellulartelephone/mobile device, 800, of the present invention with the frontside of the device, ABCD, configured with a full display area, 802, withthe absence of a keyboard; and the area representing the periphery ofthe display configured with a plurality of touch enabled icons, 801 and805, for actuating an intended action/function wherein said icons may beconfigured in one or more of any geometric form, alpha numericcharacters, and colors. The antenna is represented by 803 and theperipheral rim area surrounding the display by 804.

A plurality of the icons, 801 and 805 may be positioned anywhere on thedisplay, however in one preferred embodiment they are positioned alongthe periphery of the rim to maximize the actual viewable display area.The icons are intended to be touch sensitive for initiation of anintended action, command and control function by means of a touch orstylus tap/touch. Under the control of the user, one or more of theicons may be configured to disappear into the background to furtherenhance the actual viewable display area; and the icons may beconfigured to appear in the foreground as needed to initiate an actionby touch sensitive means.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 shows acellular telephone/mobile device, 900, of the present invention with thefront side of the device, ABCD configured with a display area, 902, akeyboard, 901, an antenna 903 and a rim area 904. The obverse side ofthe device, 900, is configured with a full display area, 909 surroundedby a backside rim area for mechanical support. The rim may be configuredto be at a slightly higher planar level than the display to obviate thedisplay area from touching a rough surface with the objective ofproviding scratch protection and protection from breakage. Additionally,the single sided and double sided display screens of the cellulartelephones/mobile devices of the present invention may be configuredwith a protective casing on each side for protection against damage andbreakage of the display areas and the device itself.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the front andbackside of the device are used for providing enhanced functionality inconjunction with one or more of the remaining four surface areas of thedevice. The left side represented by the surface AFGD, 905 may beconfigured with one or more keys/switches and mechanisms, 901A-3 and901A-5 for actuating a selected function. The right side represented bythe surface BEHC, 906 may be configured with one or more keys/switchesand mechanisms, 901A-7 and 901A-8 for actuating a selected function. Thetop side represented by the surface AFEB, 907 may be configured with oneor more keys/switches and mechanisms, 901A-5 and 901A-6 for actuating aselected function. The bottom side represented by the surface DCHG, 908may be configured with one or more keys/switches and mechanisms, 901A-1and 901A-2 for actuating a selected function. The number ofkeys/switches/mechanisms that may be provided on each of the surfaceareas, 905, 906, 907 and 908 depend on the form factor of the cellulartelephone/mobile device.

In another embodiment of the present invention one or more of thesurface areas, 905, 906, 907 and 908 may be configured with displaysthat are defined by the surface area, wherein the surface area of thedisplay depends on the size of the cellular telephone/mobile device andits form factor. The display areas 905, 906, 907 and 908 may beconfigured to be touch sensitive wherein a plurality of touch sensitiveaction control icons may be provided.

Example 12

The present invention enables all six surface areas of a cellulartelephone/mobile device to be utilized for providing one or more offunctionality and display. The cellular telephone/mobile device may beconfigured for any of the desired form factors. As an example a formfactor of a cube provides six equal surface areas wherein one or more ofthe six surface areas may be configured with a display to view contenton one or more of the surface areas of said device. The presentinvention enables a mobile device to be designed and manufactured in oneor more form factors that serve the needs of a spectrum of users withvarying visualization and functional needs.

In another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 shows a cellulartelephone/mobile device, 1000 of the present invention with the frontside, ABCD of the device configured with a display area, 1002, akeyboard, 1001, an antenna 1003 and a biometric authentication port1004; and further enabled for attachment of a separate display 1005 tothe left and 1006 to the right side of said cellular telephone/mobiledevice. A mechanism and wired communication path, 1007 enables theattachment of the left and right display areas to the cellulartelephone/mobile device 1000 and the communication of the informationfrom the device 1000 to each of said display attachments. Alternately,the communication may be by wireless means between the device 1000 andthe display 1005 and 1006. The attachment mechanism enables one or moreof the left display and right display to rotate around the axis formedby AD and BC respectively for viewing convenience. Additionally, therear side of 1002, 1005 and 1006 may be configured to serve as threelarge displays, providing additional utility for conferencing andcollaboration between one or more individuals.

Example 13

The display 102 may be used for email, the display 1005 for viewingsports and the display 106 used for watching a TV program on said mobiledevice. Each display may utilize same or different display technologies.

In another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 shows a cellulartelephone/mobile device, 1100 of the present invention with the frontside of the device configured with a full display area, 1101 with theabsence of a keyboard and an antenna 1102; and further enabled forattachment of a separate display 1103 to the left side and 1104 to theright side of said mobile device. The attachment mechanism, 1105provides mechanical support and a wired communication between 1100 todisplay 1103 and between 1100 to display 1104. In another configurationone or more of the reverse sides of 1100, 1103 and 1104 may beconfigured with a large display for back to back viewing of similar ordissimilar content on each of said displays. The display 1103 may beswiveled around the axis AD and the display 1104 may be swiveled aroundthe axis BC.

Example 14

The viewing of one or more of movies, video, TV and other content isenabled in this configuration as the three display areas due to theirproximity visually appear as one larger display.

One or more of movies, video, TV and other content may be viewed in anintegrated manner as if the three separate displays were a singledisplay wherein the content is displayed in a seamless manner. Theability to swivel the left and right displays around their axis providesnear three dimensional viewing experiences to the user. Thisconfiguration is also highly desirable for viewing spread sheets and forgraphic intensive gaming applications for viewing large graphics contenton a virtual single display. The individual displays may be used forviewing similar or dissimilar content and for gaining with multiplepartners and for collaboration/conferencing with multiple individualsand in health care applications wherein X-ray images, MRI images andother information may be viewed in an integrated manner.

The present invention also by extension is applicable to stationarydevices, televisions, media centers, personal computers, servers andother peripheral devices wherein visualization is a key factor.

In yet another embodiment, FIG. 12 shows a cellular telephone/mobiledevice, 1200 of the present invention with the front side of the device,ABCD, configured with a limited display area, 1202, a keyboard, 1201, anantenna 1203, a rim area 1204 and mechanisms 1205-C1, 1205-C2, 1205-C3and 1205-C4 located at the four corners of the surface ABCD forattaching an optional larger display having a front viewing side 1208and a back non viewing side 1207.

Example 15

Conversion of a cellular telephone/mobile device having a limiteddisplay front side display area to a configuration wherein it has alarger display area for enhanced image, graphics, TV and videoapplications.

The back side of the larger optional display attachment, 1207 isconfigured with a mechanism for providing mechanical support andelectrical connections in the form of 1207-C1 which mates with 1205-C1;1207-C2 which mates with 1205-C2; 1207-C3 which mates with 1205-C3 and1207-C4 which mates with 1205-C4 such that upon mating the back side ofthe optional larger display 1207 faces down on top of the surfacerepresented by ABCD of device 1200 and the front viewable side of theoptional larger display 1208 faces up thus becoming the preferred newlarger display of device 1200. In this configuration with the optionallarger display attachment the display limitations of the originalcellular telephone/mobile device 1200 are enhanced providing greaterutility to the user for image, graphics, TV and video intensiveapplications without the expense associated with upgrading to anentirely new cellular telephone/mobile device having a larger display.The optional larger display 1208 may be removed and stored to convertthe device 1200 back to its original small display configuration asneeded.

Example 16

Conversion of a cellular telephone/mobile device having no display onthe backside of the device to a configuration wherein the device has alarger display on the backside for the provision of enhanced image,graphics, TV, video applications and multiple utility to the user.

The backside of the cellular telephone/mobile device represented by,EFGH and 1206 is configured with a mechanism which provides mechanicalsupport and electrical connections, 1206-C1, 1206-C2, 1206-C3 and1206-C4 located at the four corners of the back side of said device.

The back side of the larger optional display attachment, 1207 isconfigured with a mechanism for providing mechanical support andelectrical connections in the form of 1207-C1 which mates with 1206-C1;1207-C2 which mates with 1206-C2; 1207-C3 which mates with 1206-C3 and1207-C4 which mates with 1206-C4 such that upon mating the back side ofthe optional larger display 1207 faces down on top of the back surface,EFGH, represented by 1206 and the front viewable side of the optionallarger display 1208 faces up thus becoming the preferred new backsidedisplay of device 1200. In this configuration with the optional largerdisplay attachment the lack of a display on the backside of the originalcellular telephone/mobile device 1200 is overcome thus providing greaterutility to the user for image, graphics, TV and video intensiveapplications without the expense associated with upgrading to anentirely new cellular telephone/mobile device having a larger display.The optional larger display 1208 may be removed and stored, as needed,to convert the device 1200 back to its original configuration whereinthere was no display on the backside of said device. The novelembodiment of the present invention provides greater utility to the userfor applications that are image, graphics, TV and video intensive. Thepresent invention illustrates one type of mechanism for mating anoptional reconfigurable display to a cellular telephone/mobile device.However, this illustration is not to be construed as limiting and thoseskilled in the art may configure other mechanisms for mating an externaldisplay to a mobile device. The present invention is intended to covervarious alternate methods, mechanisms and systems which accomplish thenovel teachings of the present invention.

Example 16A

In the prior art, a laptop computer when open has a display screen onthe inside cover viewable when open at one or more angles; and astandard keyboard on the base surface such that the user may view thedisplay and perform operations on the keyboard. In the case wherein thedisplay is touch sensitive, operations may be performed on the touchscreen display. However, in the prior art the display screens are notconfigured to be touch sensitive and do not provide the optional andenhance utility that may be derived from the use of a touch screen.Additionally, the lap top computer primarily serves the needs of asingle user and does not lend itself for collaborative viewing.

In the present invention, the top cover of the lap top computer isconfigured with an additional display screen, such that the insidedisplay screen and the top cover display screen are positioned back toback. In this configuration, when the lap top cover is open verticallyor at any angle, another individual sitting on the opposite side isenabled to view the top cover display screen. In a configuration, wherein the top cover display screen is touch sensitive, a second individualmay perform one or more input/output operations to derive the selectedutility. The top cover display screen may be protected by a cover formechanical/scratch protection. The present invention enables easycollaboration with one single device. Alternately, the lap top computermay be operated by sliding open the protective cover of the display andoperated using the touch screen of the top display obviating the need tofully open the lap top computer and using either of the inside displayor the inside keyboard.

The present invention enables the optional reconfigurable displays to bepowered and driven by the one or more of the central built-inelectronics, processors, graphics chipsets, display drivers and memoryof the mobile device. In an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention the electronic circuitry for the operation of the optionalreconfigurable displays may be built into the optional display unititself including the power sources required to independently power saidoptional reconfigurable displays. The communication between the optionalreconfigurable display units and the cellular host telephone/mobiledevice is intended to be one or more of wired and wireless utilizing aplurality of communication protocols. The present invention is intendedto cover stationary devices, lap top computers, PDAs as well and is notto be construed as limited to cellular telephones/mobile devices. Thesoftware that enables the reconfigurable display applications may residein one or more of the display unit itself, the cellular telephone/mobiledevice, a local server and a network server wherein said softwareapplications are accessible by one or more of said devices by wired orwireless communication means in one or more of real time and at aselected time.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 shows acellular telephone/mobile device, 1300 of the present invention with thefront side, ABCD, of the device configured with a front display area,1302, a keyboard 1301, a biometric authenticationport/mechanism/interface 1307, a rim area, 1304 surrounding the displayand an antenna 1303; and further configured with a plurality of speakerson one or more of the left front side, 1308-LS, right front side1308-RS, top front side, 1308-TS and the bottom front side, 1308-BS; andfurther configured with a plurality of microphones on one or more of theleft front side, 1308-LM1 and 1308-LM2, right front side 1308-RM1 and1308-RM2. The arrangement shown is for illustration purposes and is notto be construed as limiting as other arrangements are possible for thoseskilled in the art. The speakers are intended to provide audio, voicemusic and related sound output from one or more directions with theobjective of providing enhanced listening experience to the user foraudio/voice/speech intensive applications in a standalone manner and/orin conjunction with images, graphics, TV and video. The presentinvention provides multi directional high quality sound output to fullycomplement the enhanced video experience from high resolution displays.In the present invention, the built-in general purpose processor isaugmented by specialized processors such as a plurality of dedicatedaudio signal processor and video signal processors to provide enhancedmultimedia experience at anytime and anywhere. The speakers may beconfigured and aligned to derive superior surround sound. An optionalmechanism may be provided to tilt/align one or more of the speakers byuser selection. Alternately, the speaker output may be softwareconfigurable to suit the requirements of the user.

In a similar manner there is a need for improving the sound pick up of acellular telephone/mobile device as the current microphone technologyand microphone placement is not adequate, especially for trueomni-directional sound pickup. A plurality of microphones are configuredon the device 1300 to increase the sound/audio pick up from one or moreof an individual, a group of individuals and an ambient environment andimprove the fidelity of the sound. The microphones may be adjustable byhardware and software means and one or more of the microphones may beselectively turned on off.

In another alternate embodiment, the cellular telephone/mobile device,1300 may be configured with an additional rear display, 1306 capabilitywherein 1309-LS is a left speaker, 1309-RS is a right speaker, 1309-TSis a top center speaker and 1309-BS is bottom center speaker; and1309-LM1 and 1309-LM4 are left microphones, 1309-RM1 and 1309-RM2 areright microphones for enhanced sound pick up. In the present inventionthe user is enabled to turn on/off one or more of the speakers and themicrophones for privacy and other reasons including potential feed backnoise. Additionally, the user may configure the balance between one ormore of the speakers by software means instead of with mechanicaladjustments alone. Similarly, the user may configure the balance betweenone or more of the microphones by software means instead of withmechanical adjustments alone.

In addition to cellular telephones/mobile devices the teachings of thepresent invention are applicable to a new class of portable electronicequipment/appliances that provide audio, video and television servicesusing one or more types of wired and wireless communication protocolsincluding Wi-Fi and Internet Protocol, IP communication methods whetherit is at home, at the office or on the move in a transportationenvironment.

In another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 shows a cellulartelephone/mobile device, 1400 of the present invention with the frontside of the device configured with a full display area, display-1, 1401and the absence of a keyboard wherein the top front side and the bottomfront side are each configured with a speaker 1402-S1 and 1402-S2respectively; and further enabled for attachment of a separatedisplay-2, 1404 to the left and a display-3, 1405 to the right side ofsaid mobile device wherein each of said displays 1404 and 1405 areconfigured with a speaker 1402-S3 and 1402-S4 respectively. The antennais represented by 1403. The display-1 is configured with a plurality ofmicrophones, 1407-A and 1407-B for acquiring voice/speech/soundinformation. The display-2 is configured with a plurality ofmicrophones, 1407-E and 1407-F for acquiring voice/speech/soundinformation. The display-3 is configured with a plurality ofmicrophones, 1407-C and 1407-D for acquiring voice/speech/soundinformation.

The mechanism for snapping on/snapping off/attaching the display-2 anddisplay-3 to the left and right sides of the cellular telephone/mobiledevice display-1 is represented by 1406. The wired electrical connectionbetween display-1 and display-2; and between display-1 and display-3 isalso represented by 1406. The communication path between display-1,display-2 and display-3 may be in a plurality of wired and wirelesscommunication protocols. One or more of the displays may be touchsensitive. The display-2 is configured for rotation around the axis ADand the display-3 is configured for rotation around the axis BC. Inanother novel embodiment one or more of the display-1, display-2 anddisplay-3 may be configured with an additional display on the rear ofeach of display-1, display-2 and display-3 for dual sided utility suchin demonstration, collaboration and conferencing. The inputs to thedisplay may be by touch sensitive means including one or more of virtualtouch screen enabled key/keys/keyboard and voice input.

Example 17

In the configuration represented by FIG. 17, one or more of similar anddissimilar video, images, graphics and other information may be viewedcontemporaneously on display-1, display-2 and display-3. In the case oftouch sensitive displays, contemporaneous input/output on each of saiddisplays is made possible enabling parallel processing with one singlemobile device. Each display may have its on board electronics to dolocal processing of information within said display device inconjunction with an associated cellular telephone/mobile device andother client devices such as a PC and one or more networked servers.

Example 18

The ability to independently rotate and position the display-2 anddisplay-3 provides the ability to view the content in order to achievean almost three dimensional effect. Videos, movies and TV shows may bewatched with content that is specifically configured for delivery todisplay screens capable of axial rotation to provide a three dimensionaleffect or a surround viewing experience including a surround soundeffect. The content may be software programmed for seamless delivery toone or more of said three screens to provide the desired visual andaudio experience.

FIG. 15 shows a cellular telephone/mobile device, 1500 of the presentinvention with the front side of the device configured with a displayarea, 1502 and a keyboard, 1501 and an antenna 1503; and the obverseside configured with a full display area, 1509; and one or more of theremaining four sides, 1505, 1506, 1507 and 1508 of the device configuredwith a plurality of perforations, 1505-P, 1506-P, 1507-P and 1508-Prespectively. The perforations may be configured in one or moregeometric forms for dissipation of the heat generated within the mobiledevice and its associated electronics through said perforations to theambient external of said mobile device.

Example 19

The cellular telephones/mobile devices of the present invention may beconfigured with multiple general purpose and special purpose processorsto perform a number of varied functions and multi-tasking. As thecellular telephones/mobile devices become portable complexcommunication, computation, command and control hubs with significantprocessing power, there is a need to enable these devices to operatewithout getting overheated as a result of the natural functioning andthe physics of the electronic components built into these units.Electronic circuit performance generally degrades as a result ofincreased temperature due to increased leakage currents generated withinsaid components. Therefore there is a need to cool these components andto provide heat dissipation paths. In another novel embodiment of thepresent invention, it teaches a means for providing one or more heatdissipation paths which may be located on one or more of the six or moresurfaces of the cellular telephone/mobile device. In the prior art ofrecord, the cellular telephones/mobile devices do not have mechanismsthat enable heat dissipation. Additionally, the present invention isintended to include one or more optional fan mechanisms that performsthe function of moving air/circulating air across the electroniccomponents internal of said cellular telephones/mobile devices throughone or more of said perforations. In another novel embodiment of thepresent invention, the ability to dissipate heat may be augmented byinserting one or more cold packs as needed into a slot of the cellulartelephone/mobile device such that the internal electronics are eithermaintained at the ambient temperature or below the ambient temperature.The present invention additionally incorporates the need for cryogeniccooling, since as a general physical phenomenon complementary metaloxide semiconductor, CMOS devices and other electronic componentsoperate significantly better at lower than ambient temperatures.

FIG. 16 shows a cellular telephone/mobile device, 1600 of the presentinvention, further showing in detail the block level electroniccircuitry internal to said device, comprising an input block 1610, amulti-channel receiver 1620 having a plurality of input channels, aninput circuitry and input cache, 1640, a plurality of signal processorsand general processors, 1650, a plurality of one or more types ofmemory, 1660, a web server, 1680, a plurality of graphic chipsets and aplurality of display drivers, 1670, an output circuitry and outputcache, 1645, a multi-channel transmitter having a plurality of outputchannels, 1625, and an output block 1615 powering the functionality ofsaid cellular telephone/mobile device. One or more inputs may becommunicated to the device 1600 utilizing a plurality of communicationprotocols. Said input communications are received on one or morechannels of the multi-channel receiver 1620. In an alternate embodimentof the present invention, one or more of the input channels of 1620 maybe multiplexed from a first function to a second function enablinglimited input channels to be configured for additional communicationsbased on the duty cycle of each channel. The input information may beconverted from a first communication protocol to a second communicationprotocol by the functional block 1620. The inputs are then communicatedvia the common device bus 1630 to other functional blocks of thecircuitry of said device. While only one bus 1630 is shown forconvenience, there may be more than one main bus and multiple sub-busesfor communicating information from one circuitry to another. The presentinvention enables the inputs to be cached for appropriate queuing,prioritizing and processing by one or more of the general processors andspecial signal processors, shown together for convenience in a singleblock as 1650. Special processors may be a plurality of audio signalprocessors that process voice, speech and audio such as music. Anotherexample of special processors may be a plurality of video/graphicssignal processors that process photo, image, graphics, TV and video suchas movies. The memory block 1660 comprises of a plurality of memorytypes such as dynamic random access memory, static random access memory,programmable memory, hard disk memory and other types of memory. In theprior art the use of a web server in a cellular telephone/mobile deviceis not utilized. Rao et al in the parent cross reference applicationscited teach the use of a web server. The present invention incorporatessaid teaching into a cellular telephone/mobile device to provide anumber of novel functions and enhanced utility for multimediaapplications as would be further illustrated in the accompanyingexamples. The present invention incorporates a plurality of graphicchips/chipsets, 1670, for processing and presenting various graphicsintensive information such as in video games. The graphic chips/chipsetsmay be incorporated into one or more of the processors and evenintegrated into one or more of the integrated circuit implementations ofthe cellular telephone/mobile device. A special case of such animplementation is a single chip cellular telephone/mobile device thatincorporates some or all of the functional blocks illustrated in FIG.16. The processed information is presented to the outputcircuitry/output cache 1645. The communication between variousfunctional blocks is via one or more of the communication buses shown as1630. Additionally, the communication between the functional blocks maybe by wired or wireless communication means.

One or more outputs may be communicated external of the device 1600utilizing a plurality of communication protocols. Said outputcommunications are transmitted on one or more channels of themulti-channel transmitter 1625. In an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention, one or more of the output channels of 1625 may bemultiplexed from a first function to a second function enabling limitedoutput channels to be configured for additional communications based onthe duty cycle of each channel. The output information may be convertedfrom a first communication protocol to a second communication protocolby the functional block 1625. The outputs are then communicated via thecommon device bus 1630 to other one or more of the other functionalblocks of the circuitry of said device and external of said device suchas to client device by the selected communication protocol.

Thus the present invention teaches a multi-protocol communication devicefor audio, video and TV intensive applications wherein high qualityaudio and video communication and presentation/display is enabled forenhancing the user experience. The foregoing is for illustrativepurposes and may not be construed as limiting in scope. Other functionalblock circuit implementations may be possible for those skilled in theart and the foregoing is not intended to be exhaustive but illustrativeto teach the essential enabling novel features of the present invention.

Example 20

The present invention teaches the caching of the information received byone or more of the inputs and the caching of information to betransmitted by one or more of the outputs. Audio and especially videorequires that information be cached in order to present said processedinformation in a selected format such as a first display using a firstdisplay format/technology and a second display using a second displayformat/technology. The streaming of audio and video information from anexternal source/client device to a cellular telephone/mobile device maybe at a first rate of information transfer/delivery to said devicewhereas the processing and consumption of said processed information maybe at an entirely slower/different rate thus requiring the caching ofthe information for presentation at a selected time in a selected formaton a selected output interface/display for seamless effect.

Additionally, the information received on the inputs may be in a firstform of intelligence/communication protocol and the information to bepresented/communicated on one or more of another port of the device andexternal of the device may be in one or more of a second form ofintelligence and at a second rate of information transfer/streaming. Thepresent invention enables seamless audio, video and TV communicationto/from a first cellular telephone/mobile device and one or more ofsecond cellular telephone/mobile device and a client device such as aserver. In another embodiment of the present invention, theinformation/content in the form of audio, video, TV and other contentmay be stored/cached at a server and communicated on demand to aplurality of cellular telephones/mobile devices upon a request/ondemand.

FIG. 17 shows a first cellular telephone/mobile device, 1751 with anassociated user 1750 where in 1751 is configured with a built-in webserver capability for performing the functions of a mobile server,wherein said mobile device is configured for communicating informationwith a plurality of other cellular telephones/mobile devices, 1711associated with user 1710 via wired or wireless path 1763, 1721associated with user 1720 via wired or wireless path 1764, 1731associated with user 1730 via wired or wireless path 1761 and 1741associated with user 1740 via wired or wireless path 1762. The cellulartelephone/mobile device may perform the functions of a mobile server inone or more of a standalone manner, in conjunction with a centralserver, 1770 and in conjunction with a network server 175 wherein thecommunication between the cellular telephone/mobile device 1751 and oneor more of the servers is via a wired or wireless communication path1765.

Example 21

In a novel embodiment of the present invention a cellulartelephone/mobile device is configured to perform the full functions of aweb server as if it were a stationary server residing in a geographicalfixed location. At times one cellular telephone/mobile device may haveinformation and content that needs to be communicated on demand to oneor more other cellular telephones/mobile devices and other clientdevices. The prior art of record does not teach a cellulartelephone/mobile device performing the functions of a web server.Conferencing and collaboration requires the communication of informationfrom a central repository such as device 1751 to one or more otherdevices 1711, 1721, 1731 and 1741. The device 1751 may have the contentalready present within said device and in which case the selectedinformation is communicated by device 1751 to other selected devices. Inthe event 1751 does not have some or all of the content/information,then device 1751 obtains the selected information from one or more ofthe servers 1770 and 1775 via the wired or wireless communication path1765 and then parses the selected information to one or more of theother devices 1711, 1721, 1731 and 1741 by wired or wirelesscommunication means. As an example a single user 1751 having thecontent/information may transmit/stream the selected information to aplurality of the other users. The present invention facilitates thecoordinated communication and broadcasting of selected audio and videoinformation from one cellular telephone/mobile device to a plurality ofother cellular telephones/mobile devices/client devices and theirassociated users. This enumerated feature/capability is novel andenables audio and video to be broadcast to a wide audience as if themobile device 1751 itself was a major stationary broadcast facility. Thepresent invention therefore enables rich multimedia communication andbroadcasting of content/information between individuals, groups andorganizations enabling real time communication and collaboration atanytime and anywhere. In another embodiment of the present invention,the content/information may be acquired by the device 1751 in real timeutilizing various features of the device 1751 such as one or more of abuilt-in camera and a built in microphone and other attachments tocommunicate/broadcast said acquired content/information to a pluralityof other cellular telephone/mobile devices, stationary devices, personalcomputers and servers in real time or at a selected time. In anotherembodiment of the present invention, a plurality of cellulartelephones/mobile device may be configured with a web server capabilityin order to achieve a multi device communication/broadcast capabilityfor selected information/content between selected devices forming awired or wireless network.

Example 22

For a selected communication of content/information a first cellulartelephone/mobile device may serve as a mobile server wherein one or moreof a plurality of other cellular telephones/mobile devices, peripheraldevices and servers are configured to act as client devices at aselected time and for a selected duration of time. At one or more of aselected different time and for a selected different content/informationa second cellular telephone/mobile device may serve as a mobile serverwherein one or more of a plurality of other cellular telephones/mobiledevices, peripheral devices and servers are configured to act as clientdevices for a selected duration of time. The present invention enablesthe dynamic designation of a first cellular telephone/mobile device as amobile server for performing a specific and selected server related taskin a communication network comprising a plurality of other cellulartelephones/mobile devices, peripheral devices and servers. The presentinvention also enables the dynamic configuration of a network with oneor more cellular telephones/mobile devices defined as mobile servers toperform one or more selected server functions within said dynamicallyconfigured network.

FIG. 18 shows a system level architecture wherein one or more of thecellular telephones and mobile devices are networked by wired orwireless means with a PC/Server, 1830, a plurality of Televisions, 1831and 1832, a plurality of media centers, 1833, a plurality of peripheraldevices, 1834 and a multi-channel transceiver/router, 1820 thatfacilitates communication internal to the environment, 1800 via a wiredor wireless communication path, 1840; and external of the environmentwith the outside world via a plurality of wired or wirelesscommunication paths, 1850 wherein the outside world comprises of one ormore of network servers, 1860, 1861, and an authentication/escrowserver, 1862. The communication path 1850 may be via Wi-Fi, satellite,cable, Internet, telephone, cellular, Bluetooth and one or more ofprivate and public carrier communication paths. FIG. 18 further shows aplurality of mobile devices, 1811 associated with individual 1810; 1813associated with individual 1812; 1815 associated with individual 1814internal of said environment; and external of said environment withdevice 1817 associated with individual user 1816 and device 1819associated with individual user 1818.

The following examples serve to illustrate the utility and function ofthe system level architecture and devices comprising said architecturalnetwork defining an environment such as home, office, factory orinstitution.

Example 23

Command and control of intelligent personal computers, servers,peripheral devices and intelligent media appliances. The cellulartelephone/mobile device of the present invention may be programmed bysoftware means to serve as a device for the command and control ofnumerous appliances such as televisions, media centers within a homeenvironment. One or more standard keys, touch screen enabled icons,voice, speech and biometric information related to a specific individualmay be used to authenticate the individual and provide personalizedservices. The information related to the specific individual and thepersonalization may be stored within the device 1811, within a server1830 and a network server 1860.

Example 24

Communicating content/information between and among the mobile deviceand the other devices within and external of the environment. Thecellular telephone/mobile device 1811 may transfer content/informationcontained within said device to one or more of the devices within thenetwork, such as songs, song lists, video and video lists for seamlessexperience at home and on the go.

While in the home environment the device 1811 may bypass thepublic/private carrier and use direct communication means by one or moremethods including direct wired/wireless communication with a selecteddevice such as television 1831 and a media center 1833. Alternately, thedevice 1811 may indirectly communicate with a multi-channel transceiver1820 and through the communication path 1840 with one or more of thedevices forming said home network for the acquisition/delivery ofcontent/information seamlessly.

Example 25

Authentication and use of copy right protected content/information. Inthe present invention the device 1811 may be configured with theinstantaneous capability for acquiring the biometric information of anindividual such as photo, handwriting, voice, finger print, retinal scanand other types of biometrics. The acquired biometric information iscommunicated in real time to an authentication/escrow server 1862wherein the biometric authentication parameters related to theindividual are maintained in escrow/safe custody. The server 1862compares the biometrics of the individual against a data base ofinformation contained in 1862 and communicates either an approval or anegation of approval to a specific other device, such as 1833 directlyor via the multi-channel transceiver/router for enabling an intendedoperation such as enabling an audio program and a video program to beplayed by the media center 1833 for either viewing/listening on one orof the televisions 1831, 1832, the PC, 1830, peripheral devices 1834 andone or more mobile devices 1811, 1813, 1815, 1817 and 1819. For examplecontent residing within a home media center/PC/server may be remotelyaccessed via biometric authentication from within the home environmentor from outside of the home environment. Alternately, as an example, amother at home may provide audio and video content using a device 1811to a daughter's device 1819 wherein the daughter is outside of the homeand on the road. The communication path between 1811 and 1819 may be viaa first wireless communication to the media center 1833, a secondcommunication path 1840 from media center 1833 to the multi-channeltransceiver 1820, through communication path 1850 to a cellular providerand then onto the device via a cellular provider ultimately to device1819. Any number of variations of wired and wireless communication pathsmay be possible depending on the required speed of communication,required level of security and authentication and the cost objectives asa result of choosing a particular method of communication versus adifferent method of communication.

Example 26

The present invention enables a very high level of protection of copyright material and avoids fraud and illegal content sharing when used inconjunction with the novel biometric authentication features of thepresent invention. Audio and video content may be purchased at arelatively attractive price if the content provider can be sure that thecontent will be used by the purchaser in accordance with the legalagreements governing such a transaction between the buyer and theseller. Sellers price the product relatively high to cover the hiddencost of piracy. This is because content is mostly in software form it issubject to unauthorized use/sharing. The present invention teaches asystem wherein the seller requires the buyer to subscribe to anindependent biometric authentication service upon purchasing selectedcontent which is made available by the seller as an on demandproduct/service through the seller's web site 1860 to the buyer 1810.The buyer 1810 is defined with one or more associated and authorizeddevices, such as 1811. In addition, the buyer 1810 is also defined inconjunction with specific biometric authentication requirements for theprovision of the product/service. The product/service may be for asingle use or multiple uses. The purchase agreement may provide for oneor more of a specified number of uses, in conjunction with one or morespecified uniquely identifiable content appliances, such as 1830, 1831,1832, 1833, 1834, 1811 and 1813; and for use by one or more of a singleindividual 1810 and a designated group of individuals such as individual1812 in conjunction with device 1813 and individual 1814 in conjunctionwith device 1815. In each of these cases the authorization requestprecedes the playing/viewing of the content. The authorization requestis communicated from the device such as 1811 to the server 1860 whereinin the content resides and is made available dynamically upon eachrequest to the server 1860 being communicated and subsequently verifiedby the server 1862. The authorization and use request may be from one ormore of the authorized devices and the associated users whose biometricsare maintained within the server 1862. The server 1862 providesverification to the server 1860 that one or more of the device and theassociated user has been verified via biometrics. The device is verifiedby unique device number. The merchant server, 1860, providing thecontent maintains one or more databases of the profile of thetransaction, the authorized devices and the associated authorized usersand does not maintain sensitive biometric information of users. Theauthorization/escrow server 1862 maintains the biometric authorizationparameters of the authorized users. The content provided by the sellervia server 1860 may be time stamped for self destruction upon triggeringone or more of the number of uses being exceeded, the time durationbeing exceeded and exceeding unauthorized attempts to share said contentwith one or more of unauthorized devices and the individuals associatedwith said unauthorized devices.

Further, the communication, collaboration, transactions, biometricinformation, audio and video information and related inquiries orrequests can be in any form of intelligence, such as key entries from akeyboard, voice in any language, graphics such as a key click on agraphic page, mouse clicks on a view, display of images and video,audible inputs/outputs and tactile inputs and outputs. Requiredtranslations, such as from one language to another or from a tactileentry to a voice command, are made automatically.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and it should be understoodthat many modifications and variations are possible in light of theabove teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order tobest explain the principles of the invention and its practicalapplication, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilizethe invention and various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scopeof the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable electronic device, comprising: ahousing having a first touch screen display; a processor positionedwithin the housing and in communication with the first touch screendisplay; a memory in communication with the processor; a camera incommunication with the processor; at least one wireless transmit orreceive communication component in communication with the processor; anda cover which is attachable to the device, wherein the cover comprises asecond touch-enabled display wherein the display on the cover isrotatable relative to the housing and is connected to a side of thedevice, wherein the first display and second display are configured todisplay different multimedia content, text, graphics, or combinationsthereof simultaneously, and wherein a first application is configuredfor display in the first display and a second application is configuredfor display in the second display, wherein at least one of the displaysis separated into a plurality of display areas, wherein the plurality ofdisplay areas are enabled to display multimedia content, text, graphics,or combinations thereof, and wherein the device is configured to acceptbiometric input for authentication.
 2. The device of claim 1, whereinthe wireless transmit or receive communication component is configuredto communicate via one or more of cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetoothcommunication or combinations thereof.
 3. The device of claim 1, whereinthe cover comprises a physical or a virtual keyboard on the second touchenabled display.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the biometricinformation comprises an acquisition finger print data.
 5. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the first touch screen display is configured to displaya plurality of touch enabled icons.
 6. The device of claim 1, whereinthe cover is rotatable relative to the device and wherein the seconddisplay is positionable on an opposite side of the first touch screendisplay.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the first display isconfigured to display multimedia content, text, or graphics and whereinthe second display is configured to be opaque or not display content. 8.The device of claim 1, wherein the second display is configured todisplay multimedia content, text, or graphics and wherein the firstdisplay is configured to be opaque or not display content.
 9. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the first and second display are configured todisplay the same content simultaneously.
 10. A portable electronicdevice or mobile device, comprising: a first touch screen display,wherein the first touch screen display is configured to displaymultimedia content, text, graphics, or combinations thereof; a housinghaving a processor positioned within the housing and in communicationwith the first touch screen display; a memory in communication with theprocessor; a camera in communication with the processor; a cover whichis attached to the device and a second touch-enabled display which isopposite to the first touch screen display, such that the first andsecond touch screen display are attachable to and removable from thecover, and wherein the cover comprises a keyboard; an antenna located onthe device, and at least one wireless transmit and/or receivecommunication component in communication with the processor forcellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth communication, or combinations thereof,wherein each display is separated into a plurality of display areas,wherein the plurality of display areas display different content orapplications, and wherein the device is configured to accept biometricinput for authentication.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the deviceis configured to display multimedia content including TV, movies,streaming video or combinations thereof; and further wherein thebiometric input comprises finger print data.
 12. The device of claim 10,wherein the cover displays a keyboard.
 13. The device of claim 10,wherein the cover is rotatable relative to the housing and ispositionable on a side of the device.
 14. The device of claim 10,wherein the first display is configured to display a plurality of touchenabled icons.
 15. The device of claim 10, wherein the cover isrotatable relative to the device such that the cover is positionable onan opposite side of the touch screen display.
 16. A method of using aportable electronic device, comprising: providing a portable electronicdevice comprising a housing having a first touch screen display, aprocessor positioned within the housing and in communication with thefirst touch screen display, a memory in communication with theprocessor, and a camera in communication with the processor; providing acover which is attachable to the portable electronic device such thatthe cover is positionable relative to the device to protect the firsttouch screen display, and the cover comprises a second touch-enableddisplay, and wherein the cover is rotatable relative to the portableelectronic device such that the cover is positionable on a side of thefirst touch screen display, wherein the first touch screen display isseparated into a plurality of display areas, and wherein the pluralityof display areas display the same or different content or applicationsor combinations thereof, and wherein the device is configured to acceptbiometric input for authentication.
 17. The method of claim 16, whereinthe cover displays a keyboard.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein thecover is rotatable relative to the housing and is positionable on afront side of the device such that the second touch-enabled display isviewable and the first touch screen is not viewable.
 19. The method ofclaim 16, and further wherein the biometric input comprises finger printdata.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the first display and seconddisplay are configured to show different multimedia content, text, orgraphics simultaneously, and wherein a first application is configuredfor display in the first display and a second application is configuredfor display in the second display.
 21. The method of claim 16, whereinthe first display is configured to display multimedia content, text, orgraphics and wherein the second display is configured to be opaque ornot display content.
 22. The method of claim 16, wherein the seconddisplay is configured to display multimedia content, text, or graphicsand wherein the first display is configured to be opaque or not displaycontent.
 23. The method of claim 16, wherein the plurality of displayareas are configured to be merged by software into one larger displayarea by user selection and the reverse thereof by user selection.
 24. Aportable electronic device or mobile device, comprising: a first touchscreen display comprising a housing having a processor positioned withinthe housing and in communication with the touch screen display, akeyboard, a memory in communication with the processor, a camera incommunication with the processor, and an antenna located on the device,wherein the device further has at least one wireless communicationcomponent, the device including support for WiFi, and wherein the firsttouch screen display is configured to display photos, text, multimediacontent, or combinations thereof; and, a cover which is attachable tothe device and detachable from the device, wherein the cover comprises atouch-enabled surface, and wherein the cover is rotatable relative tothe device such that the cover is positionable on a first side of thedevice and on a second side of the device or swivel around an axis,wherein the first touch screen display is separated into a plurality ofdisplay areas, wherein the plurality of display areas display the sameor different content or applications or combinations thereof; andwherein the device is configured to accept biometric input forauthentication.
 25. The device of claim 24, wherein the touch-enabledsurface comprises a touch enabled screen or touch sensitive display. 26.The device of claim 24, wherein the device is configured to displaymultimedia content including TV, movies, streaming video or combinationsthereof.
 27. The device of claim 24, wherein the cover comprises akeyboard.
 28. The device of claim 27, wherein the first display isconfigured with a plurality of icons and wherein the biometricinformation comprises finger print data.
 29. The device of claim 28,wherein the device is configured for wireless communication usingBluetooth or a cellular or both Bluetooth and cellular.
 30. The deviceof claim 28, wherein the device is configured to receive multimediacontent from an Internet based streaming multimedia service and todisplay the multimedia content on the display; and wherein the biometricinput enables an audio or a video to be played.